Cyclic multi-circuit interrupter mechanism



July 19, 1960 F. a. HARMAN CYCLIC MULTI-CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANISMFiled April 24, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 [66 d EA/armczr? July 19, 1960 F.BQHARMAN cycuc MULTI-CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANISM Filed April 24, 19582 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 ,60 g 53 (/6 rztor 2 6] 1' r2 [(vc/ EA/armor? UnitedStates Patent CYCLIC MULTI-CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANISM 'FloydB.Harm'an, 405 McHerlry Ave", Crystal Lake, Ill. Filed Apr. 2'4, 1958,Ser. No. 730,592

6 (Iiaims. (Cl. 290-33) This invention relates to a mechanism forperiodically interrupting a plurality of electric circuits in sequencerelation. More in particular this invention relates to simpleconstruction of an electric switch mechanism which interrupts eachcircuit of a plurality of circuits in sequence relation of apredetermined order.

Particularly in the industrial field of illuminated dis' plays of thetube type such as for example neon signs, "a high potential orhighvoltage is required to cause "such tubes to glow. In order to causeillumination of neon tubes and the like a secondary source of powerhaving an electric potential of 1000 volts or more is required. Forexample l'8002000 volts is used in many applications for operating neonand related type advertising signs. Frequently secondary potentials ofhigher order are required. The primary power'source for suchapplications is usually of the order of 110 volts to 230 voltsalternating current which is of relatively low potential order. Therelated industry usually employs trans- 'forme'rs to step the voltage upfrom the primary low potential source to the required secondary highpotential requirement for the gas filled tube'type'illuminating units.

Particularly in the 'field of manufacture of small type tube lightadve'rtis'ing signs such as may be found frequently in window displaysof stores it is desirable to have the signs flash intermittently toattract theey'e. This flashing can be readily effected in a well knownmanner by'inte'rrupting the primary source of low potential currentapplied to the transformer by some means such as a thermal bi-metaloperable switch of the kind described in US. Patent No. 2,767,333. 7

-However'it is often desirable to cause certain portions of "anadvertising sign to illuminate in 'a timed relation with other portions,or, in short, in cyclic sequence. Thus such an advertising sign mayappear to be animated and it can be readily appreciated that a pluralityof separately operated tube lights are required which must be energizedindependently in a timed sequence relation.

Conventional means 'for accomplishing the foregoing generally consistsof employing one or more electric "motors such as, for example,synchronous motors or induction motors, in driving relation with gearmechanisms for reducing speed and camming devices for actuating electricswitches intimed sequence relation. Each of the electric switchesemployed intermittently opens circuit interrupter mechanisms .is fexceedingly and,

T f urtherjbec'ause of bulkiness in constructionfis unsuitable exceptfor large outdoor type advertising signs. t e s nre t p al s e l l l insi "m anisms are unsuitable or impractical for use in small 2,945,924Patented July 19, 1960 2 indoor electric advertising such as foreye-attracting counter displays in stores or the like and windowadvertising It is therefore a prime object of this invention to providea cyclic multi-circuit electric interrupter mechanism of small andcompact low-cost construction. I

A further object of this invention is to provide a cyclic multi-circuitelectric interrupter mechanism wherein the construction excludes motorsof the rotating armature or shaft type.

A stillfurther object of this invention is to provide a cyclicmulti-circuit electric interrupter mechanism accord ing to the precedingobjects adapted to open and close high potential circuits.

A yet further object of this invention is to provide a cyclicmulti-circuit electric interrupter mechanism according to the precedingobjects wherein but a single source of high potential is required.

These and other desirable and important objects inherent in andencompassed by the invention will be more readily understood from theensuing description, the appended claims and the annexed drawingswherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the mechanism of this invention, partlybroken away, illustrating the general arrangement of the intermittentmotion device.

Figure 2 is 'a plan view in section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1illustrating the general arrangement of the mechanism of this invention.7

Figure '3 is asectional view of the contactor member taken along theline 33 of Figure 2'illustrating circuit opening and closing elements.

Figure 4 is a modified form of construction of the contactor member,partly in section and partly broken away.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the contactor member of Figure 4 takenalong the line 55 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the contactor member of Figures 1, 2 and3, partly broken away illustrating its general structure.

'Figure 7 illustrates another modified construction of the contactormember 'wherein the circuit opening and closing elements are separableand lockable together in assembly.

Figure 8 illustrates a further modification of the construction of thecontactor member whereby the 'inember comprises a plurality of discs orrings interlocked in fixed relation.

f-Figure '9 is an end view of one of the elements of Figure 7 taken onthe line 99 of Figure 7.

cuit showing an'a'daptation of'this invention.

With continued reference to the drawings in Figure 1 the numeral 15indicates the general assembly of this invention. The assembly includesa dielectricbase 16 which'may be-made of plastic'resin, ceramic orothernonconducting material. Disposed peripherally about the base 16 'isa resilient sealing element 17 which may, for example, be comprised ofsynthetic rubber or th'e like. Fitted in liquid-tight relation to thesealing element 1 7 is a casing For convenience the casing 18 maybe madeof soft aluminum alloy which is bonded 'or "cr'impedwas at 19 to thesealin'gele'me'nt17 thus makin'g a liquid-tight seal therebetween. a vMountedon the base 16 is a' contactormembergem erally indicated art-20comprising a cylindrically shaped drum zl supported rotatably on hearingsupports 2 2 and 23. The supports 22- and 23 :maybe rigidly connected tothe base 16 by any conventional means suchasgby screws or rivets 24 and25. The drum '21 is provided with a shaft 26 journalled for horizontalrotation on the bearing supports 22 and 23 as best shown in Figure 2.

Rigidly connected to one end of the drum 21 of the contactor member 20is a ratchet wheel 27. In order that the rotation of the drum 21 belimited to one direction, a stop means such as a leaf spring 28 isanchored to the base 16 at one end and the other end positioned forengagement with at least one tooth of the peripheral teeth 29 therebypreventing rotation of the drum 21 in the other direction.

Mounted rigidly to the base 16 adjacent the drum 21 in parallel relationis a terminal plate 30 which may for convenience be made of the samedielectric material as that of the base 16. Firmly mounted on theterminal plate 30 in spaced relation is a plurality of electric switchactuating contact fingers four of which, for example, are

shownat 31, 32, 33 and 34 of Figure 2. It should however be understoodthat more or less than the four such contact fingers shown may beemployed as required.

The fingers 31, 32, 33 and 34 are anchored at one end to the plate 30 byany convenient fastening means such as screws or rivets 35, 36, 37 and38. The screws or rivets ,may conveniently be of metallic constructionand extending downwardly through the base 16 and connected tocorresponding conductor leads, one of which is shown at 39 in Figure 1.Thus each of the contact fingers 31, 32, 33 and 34 is electricallyconnected to external conductors independently of each other. The otherend of each contact finger projects to the top of the drum 21. The endof each contact finger is provided with a depending projection, one ofwhich is illustrated at 40 in Figure 3.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 it will be seen that the drum 21 is ofhollow construction and is provided with openings or slots cut radiallywith respect to the shaft 26 in planes alined with the vertical planesformed by the contact fingers. From Figure 3 it can be readilyappreciated that additional openings in a given plane may be providedsuch as openings 45' and 45". Now in the present embodiment the drum 21is connected to one lead of a source of high potential electric currentthrough shaft 26 to bearing support 22, thence to rivet 24 which rivetextends downwardly through the base 16 (not shown) to a conductorleading to said high potential source. Thus it is apparent from Figure 3that when the drum 21 rotates in a counterclockwise direction the'projection 40 sequentially contacts the metal sections or elementsbetween the openings 45, 45 and 45" for closing or connectingelectrically the terminals between the rivets 24 and 36. The portion ofthe drum 21 engaging the projection 40 of the contact finger 32 foractuation of the electric switching is termed circuit closing elementsand the openings 45, 45' and 45" are termed circuit opening elementsbecause actuation of the contact finger thereby causes the circuit to beopened. It can therefore be assumed that each of the contact fingers 31,33 and 34 serve to function in a similar manner to that just described.

Referring now to Figure 2 and the preceding discussion it can be seenthat for a single revolution of the drum 21 the relative time intervalfor closed circuit and open circuit condition for a selected contactfinger is determined by the (1) arcuate length of the circuit openingelement, such as opening 45, (2) the number of openings in the drums 21engageable with a selected contact finger, such as 32 and its projection40, and (3) the relative positions of the openings in the same verticalplane with respect to each other. Thus since the openings (circuitopening elements) may be positioned differently with respect to eachcontact finger it may be appreciated that any order of timed sequence ofcircuit closing and circuit opening may be obtained for each contactfinger in; relation to the other contact fingers subject only to thetime limitation of the drum 21 in cornpleting a full revolution. p

Consideration is now given to means for rotating the drum 21. If thedrum 21 is rotated slowly at constant speed such as that resulting fromdriving by means of a synchronous motor and speed-reducing gear train,it is well known that at the point when a contact finger moves intocircuit opening position, serious burning occurs at the breakawaycontact. This invention not only dispenses with expensive constant speedmotors and speed reduc tion units but also eliminates or at leastgreatly reduces the harmful effects of electrical corona. For thepurpose of moving or rotating the drum 21 of the contactor member 20there is provided a solenoid generally indicated at 47. The solenoid 47may comprise a stationary member or energizing coil 48 supported by arigidly connected bracket 49 fastened firmly to the base 16 such as byrivets 50 and 51. The energizing coil 48 is provided with a pair ofconductors 52 and 53 passing through the base 16 and connectable to asource of low potential current such as, for example, volts. Thesolenoid 47 is also provided with a reciprocable member generallyindicated at 54. One end of the reciprocable member is engaged with aresilient element such as spring 55 anchored securely to the base 16.Thus when the coil 48 is de-energized the reciprocable member 54 isurged toward an extended position. The other end of the reciprocablemember 54 is provided with a rigidly connected pawl 56 and an electricalinsulator 57. The pawl 56 is positioned to engage the teeth 29 of theratchet wheel 27 and the insulator 57 serves the purpose of preventingsecondary high potential current, such as 1800- 2000 volts, frominterfering with the primary low potential current in the operation ofthe solenoid 47. Thus it can be seen that each time the solenoid 47 isenergized the drum 21 moves or rotates counter-clockwise a distanceequivalent to the distance of one tooth 29 to the next adjacent tooth.Furthermore the movement is of the abrupt or snap action type thusminimizing corona formed when the high potential secondary circuits areopened. When the coil 47 is de-energized the spring 55 causes outwardmovement or extending of the reciprocable member 54 which in turn causesthe pawl 56 to engage the next adjacent tooth on the ratchet wheel 27.During this motion, the drum 21 is restricted from clockwise rotation bythe leaf spring or stop means 28 as best shown in Figure 1.

Now in order to energize intermittently the solenoid 47 there isprovided a thermal switch of the bi-metal type generally indicated at 58and also known as a chopper. The chopper 58 is preferably of theremovably inserted type, an example of which is fully disclosed in US.Patent vNo. 2,767,333 and the essential construction, in schematic form,necessary to this invention is shown in Figure 10.

The leads 59 and 60 are connected in series relation with circuited andthus being de-energized begins to cool thereby causing the bi-metal 64to deflect in the opposite direction to open the points 61 and 62 and'completes a cycle of operation. Of course the electrical resistance ofthe heater coil 63 should be of such selection that the minimal currentpassing through the coil 48 of the solenoid .47 when the points 61 and62 of the chopper 58 are in open position should be insufficient toactuate the solenoid.

Referring now to Figure 11 it will be seen schematically the circuits ofthis invention. L and L are the leads from a source of low potentialalternating current which is termed primary source. The lead L isconnected to one terminal of 'a transformer 65 and to the conductor 52and coil of the solenoid 47. The lead L is connected to the otherterminal of the transformer 65 and to the lead 59 of the chopper 58.From this it can be seen that the primary winding of the transformer 65is continuously energized. The lead 60 from the chopper 58 is connectedto the conductor 53 of the solenoid 47. Thus when leads L and L areenergized the chopper, 58 begins tofunction so that periodically thesolenoid 4,7- is actuated to move or rotate the drum 21 as previouslydescribed. The secondary source of energy is, inthis instance, deliveredby the secondary winding of the transformer 65. In general the primarypotential at L and L is 110-120 volts and where neon or other gaseoustubes are operated by this invention the secondary winding of thetransformer 65will deliver 1800-2000 volts more or less. One lead fromthe secondary source of power is connected to each of the lamps N N Nand N as shown. The opposite terminals of the lamps N N N and Nrespectively, are connected to the contact fingers 31, 32, 33 and 34.Thus as the drum 21 rotates the contact fingers 31, 32, 33 and 34 are inclosed circuit relation in a predetermined sequential or cyclic ordercausing the lamps N N N and N; to operate andv extinguish accordingly.The rate of rotation of the drum 21 maybe controlled by varying thenumber of teeth 29 of the ratchet 27 and the characteristics of thethermal bi-metal chopper 58.

At this point it should be apparent that the construction of the drum 21of the contactor member 20 may be varied from that described in theabove embodiment and Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6 of the drawings. For example,referring to Figures 4 and the drum 21 may be comprised of a metal spool66 bonded to a sleeve-like insuwill submerge all secondary circuitbreaking means above described. M

Having .thus described a preferred embodiment of the inventionit can nowbe seen that the objects of the inventionhave been fully achieved and itmust be understood that changes and modifications may be made which do.not depart from the spirit of the invention nor from the scope thereofas defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: 1. An electric circuit interrupter mechanism forindependently interrupting the flow of electric energy in eachcircuit ofa plurality of high potential circuits in sequencerelation comprising abase, a movable contactor member having a ratchet operably connectedthereto mounted on said base, said contactormember having a plurality ofcircuit closing elements disposed in spaced relation, a circuit openingelement disposed adjacent each of said circuit closing elements on saidcontactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuating contactfingers. electrically insulated firom each other mounted on said base inspaced relation, each of said contact fingers being positioned inengageable relation with at leastbne of said circuit closing elements,said mechanism being immersed in a liquid electrical insulating media,motion imparting means mounted on said base and a source. of powertherefor adapted to move intermittently in timed cyclic relation saidcontacto-tmember, said means comprising a solenoid operably engageablewith saidratchet for movement thereof in one lating member 67. Portionsof the sleeve member 67 a 21 and that the respective secondary circuitsare open when the fingers are elevated. Particularly where it is notdesirable to have the drum 21 form a part of the secondary circuit thedepending projections (e.g. of the contact fingers may be madeofinsulating material, such as plastic, and the secondary circuit openedand closed by means of points such as points 70 and 71 shown in Figure3.

Another type of construction of the drum 21 may conveniently be asshownin Figures 7, 8 and 9 of the drawings. A plurality of annular shapedelements or rings 72 are constructed of insulating material. One side ofeach annular element 72 is provided with a plurality of arcuately spacedrecesses 73 and the other side having at least one protruding pin 74-Thus complete rings or segments of rings of various character may bemade and stocked in advance. When the sequence characteristics are knownfor a given desired purpose, a hollow tube 75 and rings 72 or segmentsof rings are placed on the tube 75 and locked together by means of theabove described pins 74 and recesses 73 in the desired order. Then theshaft 26 with end plates 76 and 77 are placed as shown in Figure 7 afterwhich the assembly is compressed to a rigid structure by the nuts 78 and79. The assembled drum will then function much the same as thatdiscussed in relation to Figures 4 and 5. Of course it is also readilyapparent that the elements 72 may be in disc form which eliminates thenecessity of the hollow tube 75.

Where the secondary circuit is of high potential order the entiremechanism is submerged in a liquid electrical insulating media toprevent flash-over corona as illustrated in Figure l. Trans-former oilis quite satisfiactory for this purpose. An air space 81 is provided tocompensate for expansion of the media 80 due to temperature variation.If the amount of media 80 is controlled properly this invention willoperate in any position with reference to the horizontal and verticalbecause the media direction and a thermally operable bi-metal cyclicswitch serially connected with said solenoid and said source of power.for energizing said solenoid at predetermined cyclic intervals of time.

2. A cyclic electric circuit interrupter mechanism for independentlyinterrupting the flow of electric energy in each circuit of h'ighpotential a plurality of electric circuits in sequence relationcomprising a base, a movable contactor member having a ratchet operablyconnected thereto mounted on said base, said contactor member having aplurality of circuit closing elements disposed in spaced relation, atleast one circuit opening element disposed adjacent to and incooperating relation with each of said circuit closing elements mountedon said contactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuatingcontact fingers electrically insulated from each other mounted on saidbase in spaced relation, each of said contact fingers being positionedin engageable relation with at least one of said circuit closingelements, each of said contact fingers being positioned to closealtern-atelyv one of said circuits when engaged with a circuit closingelement and open said circuit when engaged with a circuit openingelement, said circuit closing elements and circuit opening elementsbeing immersed in a liquid electrical insulating media, motion impartingmeans mounted on said base and a source of power therefor adapted tomove intermittently in timed cyclic relation said contactor memberwhereby each of said contact fin; gers alternately. engage acorresponding circuit opening element and a circuit closing element,said means comprising a solenoid mounted on said base operablyengageable with said ratchet for movement thereof in one direction and athermally operable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with saidsolenoid and said source of power for energizing said solenoid atpredetermined cyclic intervals of time.

3. A cyclic electric circuit interrupter mechanism :Eor independentlyinterrupting periodically the flow of electric energy in each circuit ofa plurality of high potential electric circuits in sequence relationcomprising a base, a movable contactor member having a ratchet operablyconnected thereto mounted on said base, said contactor member having aplurality of circuit closing elements disposed in spaced relation, atleast one circuit opening element disposed adjacent to and incooperative relation with each of said circuit closing elements mountedon said contactor member, a plurality of electric switch actuatingcontact fingers electrically insulated from each other mounted on saidbase in spaced relation, each of said contact fingers being positionedin engageable relation with at least one of said circuit closingelements, .each of said contact fingers being positioned to closealternatively one of said circuits when engaged with a circuit closingelement and open said circuit when engaged with a circuit openingelement, a liquid electrical insulating media disposed about saidmechanism, said circuit opening elements and circuit closing elementsbeing immersed in said liquid media, motion imparting means mounted onsaid base and a source of power therefor adapted to move intermittentlyin timed cyclic relation said contactor member whereby each of saidcontact fingers alternately engaged at predetermined time intervals acorresponding circuit opening element and a circuit closing element,said means comprising a solenoid mounted on said base operablyengageable with said ratchet for movement thereof in one direction and athermally operable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with saidsolenoid and said source of power for energizing said solenoid atpredetermined cyclic intervals of time.

4. A cyclic electric circuit interrupter mechanism for tric energy ineach circuit of a plurality of high potential electric circuits insequence relation comprising a base, a movable contactor member mountedon said base, said contactor member having a plurality of circuitclosing elements disposed in spaced relation, at least one circuitopening element disposed adjacent to and in cooperative relation witheach of said circuit closing elements mounted on said contactor member,a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingers electricallyinsulated from each other mounted on said base in spaced relation, eachof said contact fingers being positioned to close alternately one ofsaid circuits when engaged with a circuit closing element and open saidcircuit when engaged with a circuit opening element, a liquid electricalinsulating media disposed about said mechanism, said circuit openingelements and circuit closing elements and said contact fingers'beingimmersed in said liquid media, a ratchet mounted on said contactormember in driving relation therewith, a motion imparting device having areciprocable member mounted on said base, a pawl mounted on saidreciprocable member positioned to engage said ratchet, an energizingcoil mounted on said base and a source of power therefor, saidenergizing coil being positioned to actuate said reciprocable member, ather mally operable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with saidcoil and said source of power for intermittently actuating saidreciprocable member in timed cyclic relation for moving said contactormember intermittently in one direction, and resilient means positionedto urge said reciprocable member in the other direction.

5. A cyclic electric current interrupter mechanism for independentlyinterrupting periodically the flow of electric energy in each circuit ofa plurality of high potential electric circuits in sequence relationcomprising a base, a movable contactor member mounted on said base, aratchet mounted on said contactor member in driving relation therewith,a solenoid including a source of power therefor having a stationarymember and a reciprocable member mounted on said base, a pawl mounted onsaid reciprocable member positioned to engage said ratchet, saidreciprocable member of said solenoid and said pawl being positioned tomove said contactor member a predetermined amount in one directionindependently interrupting periodically the flow of elecwhen saidsolenoid is energized, said contactor member having a plurality ofcircuit closing elements disposedin spaced relation, at, least onecircuit opening element disposed adjacent to and in cooperative relationwith each of said circuit closing elements mounted on said contactormember, a plurality of electric switch actuating contact fingerselectrically insulated from each other mounted on said base in spacedrelation, each of said contact fingers being positioned to closealternately one of said circuits when engaged with a circuit closingelement and open said circuit when engaged with a circuit openingelement, a liquid electrical insulating media disposed about saidcircuit closing elements and circuit opening elements, and a thermallyoperable bi-metal cyclic switch serially connected with said solenoidand said source of power for energizing said solenoid at predeterminedcyclic intervals of time for moving said rcciprocable member and saidcontactor member.

6. A cyclic electric current interrupter mechanism for independentlyinterrupting periodically in timed cyclic sequence relation each circuitof a plurality of high potential electric circuits comprising adielectric base, a housing mounted on said base, a movable contactormember mounted on said base in said housing, a ratchet mounted on saidcontactor member in driving relation therewith, a. solenoid having astationary member and a reciprocable member mounted on said base, a pawlmounted on said reciprocable member positioned to engage said ratchet,said reciprocable member of said solenoid and said pawl being positionedto move said contactor member a predetermined amount in one directionwhen said solenoid is energized, resilient means mounted on said basepositioned to urge said reciprocable member in the other direction, saidcontactor member having a plurality of circuit closing elements disposedin spaced relation, at least one circuit opening element disposedadjacent to and in cooperative relation with each of said circuitclosing elements mounted on said contactor member, a plurality ofelectric switch actuating contact fingers electrically insulated fromeach other mounted on said base in spaced relation, each of said contactfingers being adapted to close alternately one of said circuits whenengaged with a circuit closing element and open said circuit whenengaged with a circuit opening element, a liquid electrical insulatingmedia disposed in said housing about said circuit closing elements andcircuit opening elements, a source of power connectable to said solenoidin timed cyclic relation for moving said reciprocable member andassociated contactor member, and a thermally operable bi-metal cyclicelectric switch serially connected with said solenoid for intermittentlyconnecting said source of power for energizing said solenoid.

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